GetUp holds mental health vigil

On Tuesday 10 August at the Market Building in Mostyn Street, Castlemaine from 6pm members of the advocacy group GetUp will hold a candlelit vigil to raise awareness in our community of the inadequacy of mental healthcare systems and to demand commitment from all political parties in the current election for mental healthcare reform. Maria Prendergast, local author of ‘Understanding Depression’ along with Dr Louise Bettiol will speak. Mayor Schier has been invited.

Dozens of other GetUp groups around the country will also be holding vigils on the same date, including at the Gap in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, which will be hosted by Australian of the Year Prof Patrick McGorry.

Mental ill health is the leading killer of Australians under 45 and the leading cause of disability for all Australians; yet there are huge gaps in our services and millions of Australians still suffer each year. Mental ill health is a significant burden for regional and rural communities where appropriate services are often scarce.

GetUp is joining mental health experts in calling for substantially increased commitment and funding for mental health programs including youth suicide prevention, early psychosis intervention centres, support for recovering patients outside of hospital, housing, social support services and a national mental health education campaign.

Everyone is encouraged to come along with a candle and show their support. This is an issue that is likely to affect all of us at some point in our lives either directly or through someone we care about.

GetUp is an independent, grass-roots community advocacy organisation giving everyday Australians opportunities to get involved and hold politicians accountable on important issues. GetUp does not back any particular party, but aims to build an accountable and progressive Parliament – a Parliament with economic fairness, social justice and environment at its core.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the LifeLine 24-hour helpline on 13 11 14.

Event Contact: John Willis

0439 554 815

john.willis@gcss.org.au